Thinly sliced beef is stir-fried over high heat with chili, ginger, and garlic for a fast, spicy dinner. Keeping the heat high and the cooking time short ensures the beef stays tender and the vegetables retain some bite. The dish is ready in 30 minutes and pairs well with steamed rice.
In a mixing bowl, combine the beef slices, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the beef in batches, sautéing until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir in the red and green bell peppers, sautéing until they start to caramelize and soften, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok, stirring for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Return the beef to the wok along with the chili paste. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the beef is cooked through and well coated with the spices.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For a smokier flavor, try using smoked chili paste.
If you're sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of chili paste or substitute with sweet chili sauce.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari in place of soy sauce.
Consider adding a splash of lime juice for an extra punch of citrus freshness at the end.